Chain cutting machine

Abstract

A chain cutting machine particularly adapted to repeatedly cut chain to a preselected length segment in a convenient trouble free manner. The particular length of cut chain segments may also be varied. The machine is particularly adapted for use in the jewelry industry wherein chain suitable for necklaces and the like may be automatically and repetitively cut to the preselected length desired.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A machine for cutting strand material such as chain to a variable and predetermined length comprising a frame, a plate mounted on said frame for vertical reciprocation relative thereto between upper and lower positions, an open ended tube mounted on said plate and adapted to receive chain from a chain supply assembly adapted to supply chain to the open upper end of said tube, chain pulling means mounted on said plate and adapted to grip chain emerging from the bottom end of said tube when said plate is at said upper position thereof so as to pull a selected length of said chain through said tube during the downward travel of said plate and to release said chain at the lower position of said plate, a chain cutting assembly supported by said frame and adapted to move in conjunction with said plate and adapted to sever a predetermined length of said chain from the supply thereof, and means for varying the reciprocal travel of said plate relative to said frame so as to vary the length of chain pulled from said supply on each reciprocal cycle thereof. 
     
     
       2. The chain cutting machine of claim 1, said pulling means including a pair of opposed gripping jaws, said tube adapted to orient the chain with respect to both said gripping jaws and said cutting assembly. 
     
     
       3. The chain cutting machine of claim 2, said plate including an opening therethrough, said opening aligned with but spaced from said tube and adapted to receive chain pulled from said supply thereof on the downward stroke of said plate, said gripping jaws positioned in the space between said tube bottom and said plate. 
     
     
       4. The chain cutting machine of claim 1, said means for varying the reciprocal travel of said plate including a rotatable disc having a crank arm attached thereto, said crank arm in turn connected to said plate such that one complete rotation of said disc moves said plate through a complete cycle thereof from its upper position to its lower position and then back to said upper position. 
     
     
       5. The chain cutting machine of claim 4, said disc having a diametrically oriented slot in turn having a threaded rod longitudinally disposed in said slot, a slide threadably mounted on said rod and having an element pivotally connected in said crank at its upper end whereby adjustment of said slide relative to said rod regulates the vertical travel of said plate. 
     
     
       6. The chain cutting machine of claim 4, drive means for rotating said disc, a control assembly associated with said drive means, said control assembly including means adapted to force said gripping jaws together and apart at said upper and lower plate positions respectively, and separate means for controlling said cutting assembly such that multiple cycles of said plate may occur between activation intervals of said cutting assembly so that chain lengths corresponding to multiples of said vertical plate travel may be produced. 
     
     
       7. The chain cutting machine of claim 6, said control assembly including a series of spaced gears mounted on a shaft in turn driven in conjunction with said disc, a separate switch associated with each of said gears and switch activation elements mounted on said gears so as to activate its respective switch upon a different number of cycles of said disc. 
     
     
       8. The chain cutting machine of claim 1, said chain supply assembly including a reel having a supply of chain wound thereon, a tension station for frictionally gripping said chain proximate the upper end of said tube and through which resistance to pulling said chain from said reel may be regulated, and safety means intermediate said tension station and said reel for sensing the pressure or absence of chain thereat. 
     
     
       9. The chain cutting machine of claim 8, said tension station including a spaced first and second pairs of grooved wheels adapted to frictionally engage said chain and a length of chain between said wheel pairs, said safety means comprising an arm adapted to contact said chain length and a machine shut off switch associated with said arm.